Psychiatric Diagnosis

Outline for the Psychiatric Diagnosis

Tashara English

PSY 645 Psychopathology

Shirley Sexton

10/31/17

Introduction

Trichotillomania is an impulse disorder affecting 2% of the population, it is characterized by the chronic pulling out of hair from the roots, eyelashes brows and/or other areas of the body. Because of the characterization of an impulse disorder, Trichotillomania is established as compulsive behavior. Trichotillomania (TTM) is often comorbid with other mental health issues. Frequently cooccurring disorders include anxiety and depression, personality disorders and TTM-related social avoidance (Noble, Gnilka, Ashby & McLaulin, 2017).

Psychological Concepts

Due to the complexity of the disorder, both genetic and environmental factors may exist. This type of disease has particular concern as it is associated with psychological abnormalities (Al-Refu, 2013). Trichotillomania is an under-reported disorder with a stigma that is widely misunderstood. Untreated cases may even result in health risks. Thumb sucking, nail biting, lip chewing and skin picking are habitual behaviors associated with TTM.

Identified Symptoms

TTM presents as areas of traumatic hair loss in which the hairs in the affected areas are often broken. These areas can be diffuse or patchy and are generally asymmetric and non-scarring in nature. They can be localized or quite extensive (Walker, 2016). Symptoms of TTM are difficult to diagnose, like most compulsive disorders exhibited behaviors are often hidden and only displayed in private. A significant indication of the disorder is the pulling of clothes or blankets, there is also observable pulling of hair from pets, dolls and other materials such as rugs.

Views of Diagnosis

Evaluating and determining a clinical diagnosis for TTM includes examining the amount of hair loss, identifying problems associated with the disorder and eliminating other possible causes. There is no definitive testing for TTM. However, Trichotillomania can be individually diagnosed close to the onset of puberty. It is recognized occurring with the following symptoms: persistent pulling of hair, multiple efforts to discontinue behaviors, and resulting to other conditions such as alopecia on some areas of the scalp.

Risk Factors

TTM is attached to genetic makeup, maturity, gender, adverse emotions, the lack of positive reinforcement, and other ailments. Inherited susceptibility is believed to be linked to TTM, as well as temperament, negative or distressing feelings such as stress, anxiety, pressure, isolation, exhaustion, or irritation. TTM is a genetic disease, probably with a complex inheritance pattern (Ramot et al, 2013).

Treatment

Due to the complexity and under diagnosis of the disorder there is limited treatment for TTM. literature indicates that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been successful in this regard. Therefore, specific elements of therapy are implemented including relaxation, self-monitoring, habit reversal training (HRT), reinforcement/punishment contingencies, thought monitoring, and cognitive restructuring (Lootens & Nelson-Gray, 2016).

Preventative measures for trichotillomania are currently unknown. The best form of prevention is early detection which can lead to an early viable treatment option. Treating symptoms early before they reach a point of excess could relieve the person of later embarrassment, stigmas and disruption in their personal life. The overall outlook for those presented with TTM is an individualized. Children are prone to outgrow or recover from the condition. However, Trichotillomania tends to prolonged and difficult to treat in adults.

References: